Every NFL team has “burn the tape” games. The games where the only positive takeaway is that the game is over. But not every team has a “burn the tape” game in the playoffs. Not every team has a “burn the tape” game after winning 12 straight games and clinching the one-seed. Not every team … Continue reading Catastrophe
Patriots dynasty, you impressed me. Your dominance spanned two decades in the most competitive era in NFL history. The scores, records and highlights are a testament to greatness, and from your reign legends were made. But even you, New England, though you may be one of the best sports dynasties of all-time, nothing lasts forever. … Continue reading In Memoriam: The New England Patriots’ Dynasty
I’d be hard-pressed to find two NFL teams that had different trajectories this season than the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys. They also happen to be my favorite teams. As Baltimore established itself as the best team in the NFL and unbelievably fun to watch, the Cowboys became the most excruciating. For every … Continue reading A Tale of Two Teams
A couple of Saturdays ago, I tuned in to one of the greatest rivalries in sports, the Iron Bowl, an annual battle between Auburn and Alabama (often for SEC supremacy). The game didn’t let me down, as each quarter was packed to the brim with exciting moments and breathtaking plays I’d never seen before … Continue reading The Ten Greatest Sports Games I’ve Ever Seen
Hey guys! I’ve written a lot of series over the years, and their names have ranged the spectrum from cringy (Professor Sports) to clever (Varsity Letter) to fitting (Nostalgia Blast). Today, as I kick of the college era of Johnriker.com, I’m resurrecting one of my favorite formats/names, the Read Option. Quick history lesson -- my … Continue reading Read Option: On the ‘Cats, Cubs, Ravens and Cowboys
With all of the free time I expected to have this summer, I was determined to make the most of it and rekindle (no pun intended) a longtime interest- reading. I fondly remember working through all the summer reading programs as a kid, but with the hustle and bustle of school and sports taking over, … Continue reading Summer Reading Roundup
Before I head off to the next chapter of my life at Northwestern University, I want to take a trip back down memory lane with the Nostalgia Blast series. Each column will focus on a certain part of my childhood and explain how it made my last 17 years so unique and fun. Kicking things … Continue reading Nostalgia Blast: Number One Fan
Set the Browns aside, and the NFL team that has captured the most media attention this offseason has been, as usual, my Dallas Cowboys. 2019 figures to be a pivotal season for the Boys, with arguably the most talented team since the dynasty of the 1990s, but success is far from guaranteed. Already, star running … Continue reading State of the Franchise: Dallas Cowboys
KD-Kyrie. LeBron-AD. Kawhi-PG. This year, NBA free agency felt like teams were trying to build the best NBA Jam team possible. The two-on-two arcade game became reality during the last week, as duos that NBA fans had only fantasized about suddenly joined powers and revived franchises in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Aside from a lot … Continue reading Three dynamic duos highlight wild NBA free agency
Kawhi. Kyrie. Kemba. Klay. There’s a common denominator between these superstar players (and not only that their names all start with “K”)- all are free agents that will shape the NBA landscape this summer. Whether it’s discussion about a player’s legacy, or the chance for a fresh start, or the chase for championships, there are … Continue reading Players, teams gearing up for seismic NBA free agency period
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